On Orogen Superposition: Insights from 3D Thermo Mechanical Modelling

• Grant number: 25/15793-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: January 01, 2026
• End date: December 31, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Geophysics
• Principal Investigator: Victor Sacek
• Grantee: Sara dos Santos Souza
• Host Institution: Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas (IAG). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Orogenic superposition is a complex process that occurs all over the world. Linked to theprocess of building continental plates, multiple collisions - oblique and frontal - have establishedthe current and ancient tectonic plates. In these collisional zones, orogenic superpositionfavours the formation of mineral deposits, depending on their structure and sometimes thermalconditions. Despite its scientific and industrial importance, no study has characterized the processof orogenic superposition other than in natural examples. This project therefore aims tocarry out three-dimensional geodynamic numerical simulations using the Mandyoc numericalcode to understand how the superposition of orogenic events affects the thermal evolution andcrustal architecture of the terrain. From the results, it will be possible to analyse which parametersinfluence the extent of orogenic superposition, as well as to observe changes in themetamorphism and structures generated by this process. Around this topic, there is a broad debateabout an orogenic superposition zone between the Brasília and Ribeira belts in SE Brazil,which were formed during the Western Gondwana amalgamation. It is hoped that, through thealliance of empirical and theoretical data, new avenues of discussion will be opened up for theorogenic superposition zone of the orogenies in question. (AU)